How does cable length impact ampacity when selecting the right welding cable?
Cable length has a significant impact on ampacity when selecting the right welding cable. As the length of the cable increases, the voltage drop along the cable also increases, which can reduce the amount of electrical current that reaches the welding tip. To compensate for this voltage drop, a longer cable will require a higher ampacity to ensure that the necessary amount of electrical current reaches the welding tip.
For example, a short, 25-foot cable may have an ampacity of 175 amps, while a longer, 100-foot cable will require an ampacity of 225 amps to compensate for the voltage drop that occurs over the length of the cable. The longer cable must be able to carry a higher amount of electrical current to ensure that the necessary amount of current reaches the welding tip.
When selecting the right welding cable, it’s important to consider the length of the cable and match the ampacity to the length of the cable to ensure safe and efficient welding operations. It’s also essential to ensure that the diameter of the cable is appropriate for the type of welding being performed and the output of the welding machine.